By Deputy Jonathan Renouf,James Jeune

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THE Jersey Landlords Association will work with its members to help them “adjust” to recently-approved changes to the Island’s residential tenancy legislation, according to the organisation’s chair.

Guy Morris’s comments come after the States Assembly voted in favour of Housing Minister Sam Mézec’s bid to update the Residential Tenancy (Jersey) Law 2011.

Deputy Mézec’s proposals included plans to stop landlords from raising rent more than once a year, limit rent increases to the rate of inflation (RPI) and cap them at 5%, limit the use of fixed-term tenancies and allow tenants to challenge unfair rent hikes through a new Rent Tribunal.

The debate, which took place last week, also saw the States Assembly consider a number of amendments, including a successful bid by Deputy Jonathan Renouf to remove the 5% cap.

Members ultimately approved the proposals in the final reading by 31 votes to 13 with one abstention.

Speaking to the JEP about the JLA’s next steps, Mr Morris said: “The States Assembly has now spoken.

“They’ve come up with a law which has been amended quite substantially through scrutiny and other States Members making amendments to it.”

He continued: “We fully respect the democratic process and we now need to work with our members to help them adjust to the new regime, and so the law can be properly implemented.”

Mr Morris explained that the JLA wanted to come up with a “guide” for its members – as well as for tenants – about what the changes mean.

He also noted that there was “a fair amount of clarity that needs to be given” and that much of this would need to come from the Housing Minister and his officers.

Deputy Mézec has said he wants to ensure “high quality guidance” is available to “support Islanders in a seamless transition to the new Law”.